Absorber materials for solar thermal receivers in concentrating solar power (CSP) systems

In this chapter, different approaches and properties of absorber coatings for receivers in parabolic trough and linear Fresnel collectors are discussed. The receiver is a central and crucial element determining the optical efficiency of the conversion of solar radiation on the one hand, and the heat losses on the other. High solar absorptance and low thermal emittance in the temperature range of operation are important. The exact definitions of these Key characterizing parameters are given. As the receivers should retain their performance over many years of operation, degradation processes and service lifetime are important as well.